Unfinished Receivers Topic of Hot Debate among the Gun Community

Ah, yes, the great never-ending gun debate, and yet another twist comes out. Albeit it may not be a new twist, but I believe it’s one that is resurfacing, giving us gun peeps something to talk about: “unfinished receivers,” also known as “blanks” and “80 percent lower receivers.” These little metal “jewels” are formed to hold the critical mechanisms that allow guns to fire and are available to purchase for as little as $60 on up to about $250 per piece. Not a bad way to make a little cash on the side, since their legal.

But, officials are “up in arms” over this because it makes it impossible to enforce firearms regulations. There are no sales records for unfinished receivers, so officials are unable to check with stores for information about buyers of certain guns used to commit crimes. Also, the receivers do not have serial numbers or other markings to indicate where and who made them, so guns made from them can’t be traced back to their owners.

Gun enthusiasts are saying that based on the Gun Control Act of 1968, it is illegal for an unlicensed person to make a firearm for sale or distribution. Vendors are rebutting saying that because the receivers are not finished, they are not actually firearms and it is legal to sell and distribute them.

All I know is that for less than $1,000 anyone can build an AR-15 without a serial number, and to me, a gun supporter, that’s scary.

So, let’s talk: Who do you side with on this issue? Officials, gun enthusiasts or vendors? Why?

Do you see any issues in selling unfinished receivers?

Do you believe unfinished receivers should be regulated like guns? Should these pieces require serial numbers or some type of marking that identifies who made them?